A beautiful ring, made of 925 Sterling Silver features 0.84cts of wonderful Ethiopian Opal and 1.79cts of stunning Tanzanite.
Precious metal: 925 Sterling Silver
Average Weight: 3.85g
Number of Gemstones: 13
Shape: Oval
Total Carat Weight: 2.63cts
Birthstone Month:
Opal is the birthstone for the month of October.
History & Lore:
Opal is derived from the Latin word 'Upala' and the Greek word 'opallios', both meaning “precious stone”. The
Roman scholar and famous author Pliny once described Opal as a gemstone that combines the best possible characteristics of the most beautiful of gemstones: the fine sparkles of Almandine, the shining purple of Amethyst, the golden yellow of Topaz, and the deep blue of Sapphire, “so that all colors shine and sparkle together in a beautiful combination.
In Greek mythology, Opal was believed to be formed from the joyous tears wept by Zeus after he defeated the Titans. It was also believed by the Greeks that the owner of Opal would obtain the power of giving foresight and the light of prophecy.
In ancient Arabic times it was believed that opals fell from the heavens in lightning, the
flashes giving the stone its fire and flare. It is said that Opal was part of Cleopatra's famous jewelry collection, and that she used the stone to attract the attention of Mark Anthony.
Opal is said
to be a symbol of faithfulness and is believed to assist the wearer with
finding true love. Opal is also believed to cure depressions and bring confidence to the wearer. Opal helps to open unused parts of the mind in order to increase creativity and mental capacities.
The physical
structure of Opal is unique. Tiny spheres of silicon dioxide form a pyramid shaped grid interspersed with water. Tiny natural faults in this grid cause the characteristic "play of color". The effect is similar to the rainbow colors displayed on a soap bubble, only much more dramatic.
Opals vary widely in body color, with white the most common. Black is considered the most valuable as it enhances and accentuates the play of color. Fire Opal (yellow, orange or red), is often faceted and can resemble Ruby. Green and Blue Opals are very rare.
Tanzanite
Birthstone Month:
Tanzanite is one of the accepted birthstones for the month of December.
History & Lore:
The name for the gemstone known as Tanzanite is taken from its place of origin, the country of Tanzania. Tanzanite is a very young gemstone in terms of when it was discovered. Tanzanite's discovery did not occur until 1967, and is widely attributed to a Portuguese
geologist named Manuel D'Souza who had traveled to Tanzania with the intention of prospecting for Rubies. It is said that when he reached Tanzania he was led to deposits of this wonderful gemstone by Masai Tribesmen.
Practically the only widely accepted tale regarding Tanzanite relates to how it was found. It is believed that Tanzanite was in fact originally discovered by Masai cattle- herders who noticed that previously brown crystals has been turned blue after having been exposed to intense heat brought about by ravaging fires and lightning strikes on the flat and insular mountains surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro.
While there is very little in the way of lore surrounding Tanzanite, it does have a special meaning to the Masai Tribesmen who discovered it. The Masai's believe that Tanzanite is the stone of birth, and it is for this reason they frequently gift their wives with Tanzanite gemstones following the birth of their first child.
Tanzanite is 1000 times rarer than a diamond. It has been found at only one place on earth and that is in Tanzania. The area where
it can be found is only 5 square miles, at Merelani, Tanzania. Tanzanite is a gemstone that exhibits beautiful color changes, and depending upon the angle that it is viewed. It most commonly exhibits changes between reddish- purple, blue and deep purple colors, with the most desired and therefore the most valuable color being blue.
Tanzanite is heated simply to bring out the color already present in the stone, not to create a better quality gemstone. Heat-treated Tanzanite is considered to be the same quality as non-heat-treated Tanzanite; it is simply richer in color.